Athletics can develop incredible kids. But how we parent them through it matters even more.
I’m E.J. Swanson, founder of EncouragedYou, where I help parents navigate youth sports, raise resilient kids, and become the kind of voice their children need in their corner.
My perspective comes from several worlds.
I’ve spent years studying people, relationships, leadership, performance, communication, and what happens when pressure enters the picture.
EncouragedYou brings those experiences together to have practical conversations about youth athletics, parenting, confidence, resilience, failure, pressure, identity, and family relationships.
This isn’t about creating better athletes at any cost.
It’s about raising strong, healthy humans who happen to play sports.
And helping parents remember that long after the races, games, trophies, and seasons are over, our relationship with our kids is what remains.